Method and system for managing a training of users on a plurality of exercise machines

ABSTRACT

A method manages training of users on exercise machines provides a control unit of a user training class on exercise machines. The control unit is accessible by a trainer user managing the training class. Exercise machines are operatively connected to the control unit by a data communication network. The control unit loads a training program to be performed for the class users chosen by the trainer user in a respective memory module of the control unit. The control unit sends a training start command to the exercise machines by the data communication network. The training starts following receipt of the training start command. An operation control instruction of each exercise machine is sent to the exercise machines by the control unit and data communication network. Operation of each exercise machine is controlled based on the operation control instruction of each exercise machine received from the control unit.

This application claims benefit of Serial No. 102017000121366, filed 25Oct. 2017 in Italy and which application is incorporated herein byreference. To the extent appropriate, a claim of priority is made to theabove disclosed application.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of fitness and in particularto a method and system for managing a training of users on a pluralityof exercise machines.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Nowadays, the concept of training class, i.e. training of multiple userseach on an exercise machine of a plurality of exercise machines of thesame type (e.g. treadmills) arranged inside the same location (gym orclub) is very widespread.

A training class is managed and coordinated by a coach or trainer who,in addition to motivating and encouraging users during the training,imparts indications to the user of when and how to change one or moreparameters of the specific type of exercise machine, so they can followand respect a specific training program previously chosen by the trainerfor that training class.

For example, if treadmills are used in the training class, the trainerinstructs the users to periodically vary the rotation speed and/or thegradient of the treadmill.

When instructed by the trainer, each user modifies the speed and/or thegradient of the treadmill by means of the appropriate control consolewith which the treadmill is provided.

Such training method is not free from faults.

Indeed, since the trainers instructions are imparted by voice, someusers may not hear the instruction at all if they are concentrated inthe physical effort or because of the music or in general because of thebackground noise present inside the gym or club or may understand adifferent meaning.

Furthermore, each user has a reaction time regretfully different fromthat of another person, and so a given instruction may not be impartedto all treadmills at the same time or may not be imparted correctly onceit has been received by the user.

So, the training class is not always coordinated and synchronized withrespect to the training program previously prepared by the trainer forthe training class.

Furthermore, this obviously implies an evident disadvantage for userswho may find themselves in situations of breathlessness due to excessiveeffort with the risk of physical problems, falling from the treadmilland so forth.

Additionally, even the trainers, if they fail to notice that one or moreusers are struggling on their respective treadmills, would not be ableto manage the issue in a timely manner on each treadmill because theywould inevitably need to go from one treadmill to the other to go tocorrect the incorrect commands introduced by users.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is the object of the present invention to devise and provide a methodand system for managing a training for users on a plurality of exercisemachines which allows to solve at least partially the drawbacksillustrated above with reference to the prior art, which is as reliableand safe for users and the trainer as possible.

A system configured to execute the aforesaid method is a further objectof the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features and advantages of the method and system according tothe invention will be apparent from the following description ofpreferred embodiments, given by way of indicative, non-limitingexamples, with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

FIG. 1 shows, by means of a block chart, a system for managing atraining of users on a plurality of exercise machines according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 2 and 3 show, by means of a block chart, a component of the systemin FIG. 1, respectively, according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 schematically illustrate respective screens shown bycomponents of the system in FIG. 1 during their operation, and

FIG. 7 shows, by means of a block chart, a method for managing atraining of users on a plurality of exercise machines according to anembodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A system 100 for managing a training of users on a plurality of exercisemachines, hereinafter also referred to as training system or simplysystem, according to an embodiment of the present invention, will now bedescribed with reference to FIG. 1.

It is worth noting that equivalent or similar elements are indicated bythe same numerical and/or alphanumerical reference in the aforesaidfigures.

The system 100 comprises a control unit 101 of a training of users on aplurality of exercise machines.

In greater detail, with reference to also FIG. 2, the control unit 101comprises a data processing module 102, e.g. a microcontroller or amicroprocessor.

The control unit 101 further comprises a memory module 103, operativelyconnected to the data processing module 102.

The memory module 103 may be either internal or external (as shown inthe FIG. 1, for example) to the data processing module 102.

It is worth noting that the memory module 103 is configured to store oneor more program codes which can be executed by the data processingmodule 102 and data generated and processed following the execution ofsaid one or more program codes.

The data processing module 102 is configured to execute a method formanaging the training of users on a plurality of exercise machinesaccording to the present invention, as will be described below.

In this regard, the control unit 101 also comprises a control interface104, operatively connected to the data processing module 102, configuredto allow a trainer user or personal trainer to interact with the controlunit 101.

In an embodiment, the control interface 104 may be of the touchscreentype.

In an embodiment alternative to the previous one, the control interface104 may be a mechanical keyboard.

The control unit 101 further comprises a display module 105, operativelyconnected to the data processing module 102.

The display module 105 can be used by the trainer user during theinteraction with the control unit 101.

In an embodiment, the display module 105 is separate from the controlinterface 104.

In an embodiment, in which the control interface 104 is of thetouchscreen type, the display module 105 coincides with the controlinterface 104.

Turning back to the embodiment in FIG. 2, the control unit 101 alsocomprises a data communication module 106, operatively connected to thedata processing module 102, configured to allow the control unit 101 totransmit and receive data.

The functions of the control unit 101, in particular for managing themethod for managing a training of users on a plurality of exercisemachines, will be described below.

Tuning back in general to FIG. 1, the system 100 comprises a pluralityof exercise machines 500 operatively connected to the control unit 101by means of a data communication network NTW, i.e. a data communicationnetwork of the LAN type or a data communication network with Wi-Fitechnology present in a gym or a club.

The plurality of exercise machines 500 are distributed in the samelocation, such as for example a gym or a club, so that they can be usedby the users to perform a so-called training class under the supervisionof a coach or trainer user suitable for using use the control unit 101.

For the purposes of the present invention, “exercise machine” means anyexercise apparatus which can be used in a training class, such as, forexample, a treadmill, a bike, a cyclette, a rower, a spinning machine, amuscle development machine and so on.

First of all, it is worth noting that the plurality of machines 500 andthe control unit 101 are configured to communicate with one another bymeans of the communication network data NTW, following an initialconfiguration in which the control unit 101 and the plurality ofexercise machines 500 are associated with the set training class.

In this regard, in greater detail, each exercise machine of theplurality of exercise machines 500 is configured to store a networkaddress, e.g. an IP address, of the control unit 101.

Hereinafter, with particular reference also to FIG. 3, an exercisemachine 200 belonging to the plurality of exercise machines 500 will bedescribed.

It is worth noting that each exercise machine belonging to the pluralityof exercise machines 500 is also indicated by the reference numeral 200in FIG. 1.

The following description applies to any exercise machine 200 of theplurality of exercise machines 500 shown in FIG. 1.

With reference to FIG. 3, the exercise machine 200 comprises arespective data processing unit 201.

The exercise machine 200 further comprises a memory unit 202,operatively connected to the data processing unit 201.

The memory unit 202 can be either internal or external (as shown in theFIG. 1, for example) to the data processing unit 201.

It is worth noting that the memory unit 202 is configured to store oneor more program codes which can be executed by the data processing unit201 and data generated and processed following the execution of one ormore program codes.

The data processing unit 201 can be configured to control the operationof the exercise machine 200 during the execution of the method formanaging the training of users on a plurality of exercise machinesaccording to the present invention, as will be described below.

It is worth noting that the functions of the exercise machine 200, inparticular for implementing the method for managing a training of userson a plurality of exercise machines 500, will be described below.

In this respect, for the purposes of the present invention, it is worthnoting that “controlling the operation of an exercise machine” meanssending of at least one control instruction to the exercise machineduring its operation.

“Control instruction of the exercise machine during its operation” meanseither the instructions sent by the control unit 101 upon command of thetrainer user, e.g. a stop command, a pause command, a restart command,an end of training command, and instructions sent automatically by thecontrol unit, e.g. such as a synchronization command, a command to varyone or more parameters of the exercise machine which can be controlledduring its operation, such as, for example, the rotation speed in atreadmill, the resistance in a bike or cyclette, the gradient orinclination, e.g. in a treadmill, the level of difficulty, e.g. in atreadmill, in a bike or cyclette or in a muscular strengthening machineand so on.

Turning back to FIG. 3, the exercise machine 200 further comprises arespective control interface 203, operatively connected to the dataprocessing unit 201, configured to allow a user to interact with theexercise machine.

In an embodiment, the control interface 203 may be of the touchscreentype.

In an embodiment alternative to the previous one, the control interface203 may be a mechanical keyboard.

The exercise machine 200 further comprises a respective display unit 204operatively connected to the data processing unit 201.

The display unit 204 can be used by a user, who is training in thetraining class, during the interaction with the exercise machine 200.

In an embodiment, the display unit 204 is separate from the controlinterface 203.

In an embodiment, in which the control interface 203 is of thetouchscreen type, the display unit 204 coincides with the controlinterface 203.

The exercise machine 200 further comprises a data communication unit205, operatively connected to the data processing unit 201.

The data communication unit 205 of the exercise machine 200 isconfigured to allow the connection to the control unit 101 by means ofthe communication network data NTW.

In an embodiment, the exercise machine 200 is connected to the controlunit 101 by means of the communication network data NTW using a dataconnection in wireless mode.

In a further embodiment, alternative to the previous one, the exercisemachine 200 is connected to the control unit 101 by means of thecommunication network data NTW using a wired data connection.

According to the connection mode (wired or wireless), the datacommunication module 106 of the control unit 101 and the datacommunication unit 205 of the exercise machine 200 implement arespective technology suitable for correct data communication.

In this respect, it is worth noting that adequate data transmissionsecurity protocols are employed in the data communication data, by meansof the communication network data NTW, between the control unit 101 andthe exercise machine 200.

Furthermore, it is worth noting that both the data communication module106 of the control unit 101 and the data communication unit 205 of theexercise machine 200 are also configured to transmit and receive data toand from any other communication networks, if present.

According to an embodiment, shown in FIG. 3, in combination with any ofthe previous ones, the exercise machine 200 comprises an actuationdevice 206, e.g. an electromechanical linear actuator, operativelyconnected to the data processing unit 201.

The actuation device 206 of the exercise machine 200 is configured toreceive a command from the data processing unit 201 to vary a firstparameter of the exercise machine which can be controlled during itsoperation.

The actuation device 206 of the exercise machine 200, if the latter is atreadmill, may receive a command to vary the gradient of the treadmill.

For example, if the actuation device 206 of the exercise machine is anelectromechanical linear actuator, the command to vary the gradient ofthe treadmill, either increasing or decreasing it, by the dataprocessing unit 201, causes a lifting or lowering of the front portionof the running surface of the treadmill by means of a endlessscrew-helical wheel kinematic system, respectively.

According to an embodiment, shown in FIG. 3, in combination with anyprevious one, the exercise machine 200 comprises an electric motor 207is operatively connected to the data processing unit 201.

The electric motor 207 of the exercise machine 200 is configured toreceive from the data processing unit 201 a command to vary a secondparameter of the exercise machine 200 which can be controlled during itsoperation.

For example, if the exercise machines 200 is a treadmill, the electricmotor 207 can receive a command to vary the rotation speed of theelectric motor 207 in order to either reduce or increase the speed ofthe treadmill.

Turning back to FIG. 1, in an embodiment, in combination with any one ofthose described above and shown in FIG. 1 by a dashed line, the system100 further comprises a remote electronic processor 300 (cloud)operatively connected to the data communication network NTW, e.g. bymeans of the Internet.

In particular, in such case, the control unit 101 and the plurality ofexercise machines 500 are operatively connected to one another by meansof the communication network data NTW and with the remote electronicprocessor 300 by means of the Internet.

The remote electronic processor 300 comprises a respective dataprocessing unit 301 and a respective a memory unit 302 operativelyconnected to the data processing unit 301.

The memory unit 302 of the remote electronic processor 300 is configuredto store data representative of a training performed on the plurality ofexercise machines 500 by users who created their own account on theremote electronic processor 300.

Furthermore, the memory unit 302 of the remote electronic processor 300is configured to store a library comprising training programs which canbe performed on the plurality of exercise machines 500.

In other words, the memory unit 302 of the remote electronic processor300 is a remote database.

It is worth noting that the communication data, e.g. by means of theInternet network, between the control unit 101 and the plurality ofexercise machines 500 with the remote electronic processor 300 alsoenvisages the use of appropriate data transmission security protocols.

In a further embodiment, alternative to the previous one, not shown inthe figures, the system 100 may be free from the remote electronicprocessor 300.

Turning back now in general to the system 100 in FIG. 1 and to thecomponent of FIG. 2, we will describe the functions of the control unit101.

The control unit 101, and thus the data processing module 102, isconfigured to load in the respective memory module 103 a trainingprogram to be performed for the users of a plurality of exercisemachines 500 (training class), chosen by the trainer user from multipletraining programs.

In this regard, in an embodiment, the control unit 101 is configured toreceive one or more previously stored training programs from therespective memory module 103.

In an alternative embodiment, the control unit 101 is configured toreceive one or more training programs from an electronic device of thetrainer user (e.g. a personal computer, a laptop, a tablet, asmartphone).

In this case, the training programs were previously created by thetrainer user on the electronic device of the trainer user by means of aspecific software application (app).

In a further embodiment, the control unit 101 is configured to receiveone or more training programs from the remote electronic processor 300,if provided, or other remote database of the gym or club.

It is worth noting that for the purposes of the present description“training program” means a set of instructions comprising thesubdivision into successive intervals of time (steps) (e.g. equal to 3or 4 minutes), either regular or irregular, if the overall training time(e.g. 25, 30, 40 minutes and so forth) and the allocation for eachinterval of time into which the total training time is divided by avalue of one or more parameters of the exercise machine which can becontrolled during its operation.

It is worth noting that adjacent time intervals into which the totaltraining time is divided will preferably have different values of saidone or more parameters of the exercise machine which can be controlledduring its operation.

In an embodiment, the set of instructions which are representative ofthe training program for each interval of time into which the totaltraining time is divided may comprise a value of a first parameter ofthe exercise machine 200 which can be controlled during its operation.

In an embodiment, if the exercise machine 200 is a treadmill, the firstparameter of the exercise machine which can be controlled during itsoperation is the gradient (expressed as a percentage) of the treadmill.

In an embodiment, alternative to the previous one, if the exercisemachine 200 is a treadmill, the first parameter of the exercise machinewhich can be controlled during its operation is the rotation speed ofthe treadmill.

In a further embodiment, in combination with the previous ones, the setof instructions which are representative of the training program foreach interval of time into which the total training time is divided mayfurther comprise a value of a second parameter of the exercise machine200 which can be controlled during its operation.

In an embodiment, if the exercise machine 200 is a treadmill and thefirst parameter of the exercise machine which can be controlled duringits operation is the gradient of the treadmill, the second parameter ofthe exercise machine which can be controlled during its operation is therotation speed of the treadmill.

In a further embodiment, alternative to the previous one, if theexercise machine 200 is a treadmill and the first parameter of theexercise machine which can be controlled during its operation is therotation speed of the treadmill, the second parameter of the exercisemachine which can be controlled during its operation is the gradient ofthe treadmill.

In an embodiment, in combination with any one of the previous ones, thecontrol unit 101 is configured to show a start of training command tothe trainer user, e.g. on the touchscreen type display module 105(control interface 104).

After pressing such start of training command, the control unit 101 isconfigured to send, by means of the communication network data NTW, astart of training command to the plurality of exercise machines 500 ofthe training class.

It is worth noting that the sending of the start of training command bythe control unit 101 allows to unlock the plurality of exercise machines500 which, until the start of training command was received, are lockedand ready to be used only in the training class with which they wereassociated.

In an embodiment, in combination with the previous one, the control unit101 is configured to send to the plurality of exercise machines 500, bymeans of the communication network data NTW, at least one controlinstruction of the operation of each exercise machine of the pluralityof exercise machines 500.

Examples of control instructions of the operation of each exercisemachine were shown above.

In greater detail, in an embodiment, the control unit 101 is configuredto send to the plurality of exercise machines 500 such controlinstruction of the operation in an exercise machine in response to thereception of a respective request and training data of the user on theexercise machine 200 recorded by the exercise machine 200, receivedperiodically (e.g., once a second) from the exercise machine 200 duringits operation.

“Training data” means at least one of or a combination of:

-   -   data representative of the user's physical condition (e.g. heart        rate, step rate, stride power, calories burned and so on);    -   identification data of the user (e.g. the real name or a        nickname);    -   data representative of the exercise machine (e.g. if the        exercise machine is a treadmill, the rotation speed, the        gradient and so on).

By way of example, during its operation, the exercise machine 200 isconfigured to periodically send (e.g. once a second) a request toreceive a control instruction of the operation of the exercise machine200 and training data of the user on the exercise machine 200.

If the control unit 101, according to the loaded training program, inresponse to the reception of such request, sends to the exercise machine200 at least one control instruction of the operation of the exercisemachine, the exercise machine 200 will modify its operation as afunction of the received instruction.

On the other hand, if the control unit 101, according to the loadedtraining program, in response to the reception of such request, does notsend any control instructions of the operation of the exercise machineto the exercise machine 200, the exercise machine 200 will continue itsoperation as a function of the received instruction.

It is worth noting that the control instructions of the operation of theexercise machine 200 that the control unit 101 may send to the pluralityof exercise machines 500 can be executed automatically by the exercisemachine 200 as a function of a respective command of the user trainerimparted to the control unit 101.

In this case, the at least one control instruction of the operation ofthe exercise machine 200 may be a stop command, a pause command, acommand to restart the exercise machine 200.

Furthermore, the control instructions of the operation of the exercisemachine 200 that the control unit 101 may send to the plurality ofexercise machines 500 may be executed automatically by an exercisemachine 200, if the control instruction of the operation of the exercisemachine 200 is the variation of a parameter of the exercise machinewhich can be controlled during its operation (e.g. if the exercisemachine is a treadmill, the variation of the gradient and/or of therotation speed of the treadmill).

If the at least one control instruction of the operation of the exercisemachine 200 is a stop command of the exercise machine 200, if theexercise machine 200 is a treadmill, the electric motor 207 iscontrolled so as to stop the treadmill with a set deceleration ramp andthe actuating device 206 is controlled so as to take the gradient of thetreadmill to a zero value.

If the at least one control instruction of the operation of the exercisemachine 200 is a pause command of the exercise machine 200, if theexercise machine 200 is a treadmill, the electric motor 207 iscontrolled so as to stop the treadmill with a set deceleration ramp andthe actuating device 206 is controlled so that the gradient of thetreadmill remains unchanged in the interval of time of the trainingprogram in which the stop command of the exercise machine 200 wasreceived.

If the at least one control instruction of the operation of the exercisemachine 200 is a stop command of the exercise machine 200, if theexercise machine 200 is a treadmill, the electric motor 207 iscontrolled so as to be restarted at a given speed (e.g. a set valueequal to 9 km/h) with a set acceleration ramp.

If the at least one control instruction of the operation of the exercisemachine 200 is an end of training command because the training time hasended or following a manual command by the trainer user, if the exercisemachine 200 is a treadmill, the electric motor 207 is controlled so asto stop the treadmill with an established deceleration ramp and theactuating device 206 is controlled so as to take the gradient of thetreadmill to a null value.

It is worth noting that if the at least one control instruction of theoperation of the exercise machine 200 is a pause command of the exercisemachine 200, the control unit 101 can momentarily stop the plurality ofexercise machines 500 so as to be able to alternate training on theexercise machine 200, according to the loaded training program (e.g.running on a treadmill), with floor training off the exercise machine(e.g. leaps, sit-ups, push-ups).

In an embodiment, the control unit 101 is configured to provide a pieceof information representative of a start of training time (zero time) tothe plurality of exercise machines 500, by means of the communicationnetwork data NTW.

The control unit 101 is further configured to provide to the pluralityof exercise machines 500, by means of the communication network dataNTW, preferably at regular time intervals, a piece of informationrepresentative of the progressive advancement of the training time sothat the synchronization of the training program loaded by the controlunit 101 is guaranteed across the plurality of exercise machines 500.

Furthermore, in an embodiment, the control unit 101 is configured toprovide, by means of the data communication network NTW, a piece ofinformation representative of the total time of the training program.

In an embodiment, either in combination with or alternatively to theprevious ones, once the training program selected by the trainer userfor the training class is loaded, before sending the start of trainingcommand to the plurality of exercise machines 500 of the training classby means of the communication network data NTW, the control unit 101 isconfigured to send the training program to the plurality of exercisemachines 500, by means of the communication network data NTW.

In an embodiment, as previously mentioned, the control unit 101 isconfigured to receive training data of the user on the exercise machine200 from the plurality of exercise machines 500, by means of thecommunication network data NTW, and to store the data in the memorymodule 103, while performing the training program.

The control unit 101 is also configured to display to the trainer user,by means of the respective display module 105 with which the controlunit 101 is provided, a list of users participating in the trainingprogram with which training data of the user on the exercise machine 200are associated, for each user, and an indication representative ofwhether a user can follow the training program loaded on the controlunit 101 by the trainer user or not.

An example of such display is shown in FIG. 4.

The control unit 101 suggests to the trainer user a first screen UPrepresentative of the performance of the users during the execution ofthe training program.

The first screen UP comprises a plurality of lines PR each reserved foridentification data of a user.

Each user is identified by a progressive number (a number from 01 to 12in the figure), by a respective real name RN1-RN12 and by a respectivenickname NK1-NK12.

The first screen UP further comprises a plurality of columns PC in whicha first portion PC1 is reserved for data representative of the exercisemachine GR, SP (for example, in the case of a treadmill, gradient GRexpressed as a percentage and rotation speed SP), while a second portionPC2 is reserved for data representative of the physical condition of theuser H, % H (e.g. heart rate and heat rate expressed as a percentagewith respect to a set threshold value, as for example the maximumtheoretical heart rate, i.e. the mathematical difference between a setvalue equal to 220 and a value corresponding to the user's age).

It is worth noting that in FIG. 4, the indication representative ofwhether a user can follow the training program loaded on the controlunit 101 by the trainer user or not materializes in the display of agraphic symbol, indicated in the figure by reference SG, positioned bythe side of the progressive number with identifies the user's line.

In particular, if a user, failing to follow the training program loadedon the control unit 101 (and possibly sent to each exercise machine200), for example, changes the value of the gradient of the treadmill bymanually lowering the value with respect to the gradient valueautomatically controlled by the data processing unit 201 of the exercisemachine 200 in the respective interval of time, the control unit 101 isconfigured to show that user to the trainer user by moving therespective line in the plurality of lines PR, each reserved foridentification data of a user, to the first place of said plurality oflines PR, possibly adding the graphic symbol SG alongside theprogressive number 01, of the respective real name RN1 and of therespective nickname NK1.

In greater detail, in order to perform the aforesaid movement of a linein the plurality of lines PR, the data processing module 102 isconfigured to:

-   -   receive a value of said first parameter of the exercise machine        200 which can be controlled during its operation (e.g. the        gradient of a treadmill), during the training of a user on the        exercise machine 200;    -   compare such received value with the value of said first        parameter of the exercise machine 200 which can be controlled        during its operation envisaged by the training program in order        to determine a deviation;    -   if such deviation is different from zero, to move the line        inside the plurality of lines PR corresponding to such user to        the first place of the plurality of lines PR, adding a graphic        symbol SG by the side of the progressive number 01, the        respective real name RN1 and the respective nickname NK1 of such        user.

The control unit 101 is also configured to display to the trainer user,by means of the respective display module 105 with which with thecontrol unit 101 is provided, a training profile representing thetraining program in progress on the plurality of exercise machines 500.

An example of such display is shown in FIG. 5.

Alternatively to the first screen UP, the control unit 101 suggests tothe trainer user a second screen PR representative of a profile of atraining program in progress on the plurality of exercise machines 500.

It is worth noting that the switch between the first screen UP and thesecond screen PR is possible by selecting the respective symbol (UP orPR) as shown at the top left in FIG. 4 and in FIG. 5.

The second screen PR comprises a chart in the middle having the time ton the abscissa and a first parameter PM1 of the exercise machine 200which can be controlled during its operation, in the respective unit ofmeasurement, on the ordinate, e.g. if the exercise machine is atreadmill, the gradient or inclination of the treadmill.

Along the abscissa are the initial time t0 and successive instants oftime t1-t5 at which the first parameter PM1 of the exercise machine 200which can be controlled during its operation assumes different values.

Also along the abscissa are a vertical bar, indicated by reference tc,representative of the current instant of time at which the users areduring the performance of the training program on the respectiveexercise machine 200.

The vertical bar is located between two successive instants of time t1and t2.

On the second screen, in addition to the name of the profile of thetraining program N-PR, there is a first piece of information CMD1representative a first suggestion to provide to the user in the currentinstant of time tc (e.g. “keep up the pace”) and a second piece ofinformation CMD2 representative of a second suggestion to provide to theuser starting from the instant of time in which the value of the firstparameter PM1 will be changed (in the example in FIG. 5, this variationwill occur in the instant of time t2).

Turning back in general to the system according to the presentinvention, it is worth noting that the control instructions of theoperation of the exercise machine, in an embodiment, are provided by thecontrol unit 101, both those imparted in response to a command by thetrainer user (stop, pause, restart, end of training) and those impartedautomatically by the control unit (synchronization, automatic end oftraining command), and those imparted as function of the trainingprogram profile (variation of parameters of the exercise machine whichcan be controlled during operation).

It is worth noting that this occurs regardless of whether the exercisemachines have received the training program loaded by the trainer userby the control unit 101 or not.

According to a further embodiment, alternative to the previous one, thecontrol instructions of the operation of the exercise machine 200imparted by the control unit 101 as a function of the profile of thetraining program (variation of parameters of the exercise machine 200which can be controlled during operation) can be automatically executeddirectly by the exercise machines.

This is possible if the plurality of exercise machines 500 have receivedthe training program selected by the trainer user by the control unit101 and are able to run it autonomously.

As mentioned above, the control unit 101 is also configured to send tothe plurality of exercise machines 500, by means of the communicationnetwork data NTW, an end of training command, in the moment in which thetotal time of the training program end (automatic end of trainingcommand) or in the moment in which the trainer user imparts an end oftraining command on the control unit 101 (manual end of trainingcommand).

After sending the end of training command, at the end of the training,the control unit 101 is configured to store a summary of the trainingclass in the respective memory module 103.

It is worth noting that “summary of the training class” means acombination of overall information, such as, for example, start oftraining time, end of training time and so on.

In an embodiment, in combination with the previous one, the control unit101 is configured to send a summary of the training class to a remotedatabase of the gym or club, e.g. by means of the Internet.

In an embodiment, either alternative to or in combination with theprevious one, the control unit 101 is configured to send the summary ofthe training class to the remote electronic processor 300, e.g. by meansof the Internet, in order to store it inside of the memory unit 302 ofthe remote electronic processor 300 in the trainer user's account.

Turning back in general to the system 100, we will now describe somefeatures of an exercise machine 200 of the plurality of exercisemachines 500.

The exercise machine 200 is configured to receive the start of trainingcommand from the control unit 101 by means of the communication networkdata NTW.

As mentioned above, it is worth noting that the exercise machine 200,until the start of training command is received, is locked and ready tobe only used in the training class with which was associated.

The exercise machine 200 is configured to begin the training uponreception of the start of training command.

In an embodiment, in combination with the previous one, the exercisemachine 200 is configured to receive at least one control instruction ofthe operation of each exercise machine 200 from the control unit 101 bymeans of the communication network data NTW, during operation of theplurality of exercise machines 500.

Examples of control instructions of the operation of each exercisemachine were shown above.

In an embodiment, in order to receive at least one control operationinstruction, the exercise machine 200 is configured to periodically send(e.g. once a second) to the control unit 101 a respective request toreceive a control instruction of the operation and training data of theuser on the exercise machine 200 recorded by the exercise machine duringits operation.

The training data was defined above.

It is worth repeating that the control instructions of the operation ofthe exercise machine received from the control unit 101 may be executedautomatically by the exercise machine 200, if the control instruction ofthe operation of the exercise machine 200 is the variation of aparameter of the exercise machine 200 which can be controlled during itsoperation (e.g. if the exercise machine 200 is a treadmill, thevariation of the gradient and/or of the rotation speed of thetreadmill).

It is worth noting that in an embodiment, in which automatic executionof the variation of a first parameter of the exercise machine 200 whichcan be controlled during its operation is envisaged by the exercisemachine 200, the exercise machine 200 is advantageously configured toprovide to the user, by means of the respective display unit 204, apiece of information representative of one or more preferred values (orone or more ranges of preferred values) of a second parameter of theexercise machine 200 which can be controlled during its operation,determined on the basis of the value of the first parameter of theexercise machine 200 which can be controlled during its operation.

For example, if the exercise machine 200 is a treadmill and the firstparameter of the exercise machine 200 which can be controlled during itsoperation is the gradient of the treadmill, the exercise machine 200 isconfigured to control the gradient of the treadmill by means of theactuation device 206 and to advantageously provide to the user, by meansof the respective display unit 204, a piece of informationrepresentative of one or more preferred values (or one or more ranges ofpreferred values) of the rotation speed of the treadmill (as the secondparameter of the exercise machine 200 which can be controlled during itsoperation), determined on the basis of the gradient value of thetreadmill.

In an embodiment, the control instructions of the operation of theexercise machine received from the control unit 101 may be executedautomatically by the exercise machine as a function of a respectivecommand of the user trainer imparted to the control unit 101.

Examples of these cases were provided previously.

The exercise machine 200 is further configured to receive from thecontrol unit 101, by means of the communication network data NTW, apiece of information representative of the training time during theperformance of the training program.

The exercise machine 200 is configured to send to the control unit 101,by means of the communication network data NTW, during the performanceof the training program, data representative of the operation of theexercise machine, for example:

-   -   the value of a first parameter of the exercise machine which can        be controlled during its operation or a second parameter of the        exercise machine which can be controlled during its operation;    -   data representative of the users physical condition during the        training (e.g. heart rate);    -   the identification data of the user (e.g. the real name or a        nickname).

Furthermore, in an embodiment, in combination with any of the previousones, the exercise machine 200 is configured to receive the trainingprogram from the control unit 101 by means of the communication networkdata NTW.

In an embodiment, in combination with the previous one, in which thetraining program is run autonomously by the exercise machine 200, theexercise machine 200 is configured to automatically modify the firstparameter of the exercise machine which can be controlled duringoperation (e.g., the gradient or inclination of the treadmill if theexercise machine is a treadmill) as a function of the training programreceived from the control unit 101 in a synchronized manner with theother exercise machines 200 of the plurality of exercise machines 500.

Additionally, the exercise machine 200 is configured to modify, at anytime during the performance of the training program, following a manualcommand received from the user by means of the control interface 203with which the exercise machine 200 is provided, the value of the firstparameter of the exercise machine 200 which can be controlled duringoperation (e.g. the gradient or inclination of the treadmill, if theexercise machine 200 is a treadmill) if the user is unable to keep upthe value of the first parameter of the exercise machine 200 which canbe controlled during operation, set automatically according to thetraining program.

Additionally, the exercise machine 200 is configured to modify, at anytime during the performance of the training program, following a manualcommand received from the user by means of the control interface 203with which the exercise machine 200 is provided, the value of the secondparameter of the exercise machine 200 which can be controlled duringoperation (e.g., the rotation speed of the treadmill, if the exercisemachine 200 is a treadmill) if the user is unable to keep up the valueof the second parameter of the exercise machine 200 which can becontrolled during operation, set automatically according to the trainingprogram.

In the moment in which, in the profile of the training program, asuccessive interval of time starts with a set value of the firstparameter of the exercise machine 200 which can be controlled duringoperation and/or the second parameter of the exercise machine 200 whichcan be controlled during operation assigned with it, the exercisemachine 200 is configured to align the value of the first parameter ofthe exercise machine 200 which can be controlled during operation and/orthe value of the second parameter of the exercise machine 200 which canbe controlled during operation varied manually by the user to therespective values of the profile of the training program selected by thetrainer user.

Furthermore, the exercise machine 200 is configured to show to the user,by means of the display unit 204 with which the exercise machine 200 isprovided, a profile of the first parameter of the exercise machine whichcan be controlled during operation provided for in the loaded trainingprogram with an instantaneous indication of a current point the user isat as time elapses.

Furthermore, the exercise machine 200 is configured to show to the user,by means of the display unit 204 with which the exercise machine 200 isprovided, a piece of information representative of one or more preferredvalues (or one or more ranges of preferred values) of the secondparameter of the exercise machine which can be controlled during theoperation of the exercise machine (in the case of a treadmill, thesecond parameter of the exercise machine which can be controlled duringoperation is, for example, the rotation speed of the treadmill)determined on the basis of the value of the first parameter of theexercise machine which can be controlled 200 during operation of themachine.

An example of such display is shown in FIG. 6.

The display unit 204 of the exercise machine 200 suggests a third screenS1 to the user representative of the training data of the user duringthe execution of the training program.

For example, the third screen S1 shows to the user the current valueGR-C of the first parameter GR of the machine which can be controlledduring the operation of the exercise machine (in the case of atreadmill, the gradient or inclination) and the current value SP-C ofthe second parameter SP of the exercise machine operation which can becontrolled during the operation of the exercise machine (in the case ofa treadmill, the rotation speed).

Additionally, the third screen S1 comprises a chart in the middle havingthe time t on the abscissa and a first parameter PM1 of the exercisemachine which can be controlled during its operation, in the respectiveunit of measurement, on the ordinate, e.g. if the exercise machine is atreadmill, the gradient or inclination of the treadmill. Such graph isentirely similar to that described with reference to FIG. 5.

Furthermore, the third screen S1 shows icons to the user representativeof first commands C1 to manually vary the first parameter GR of theexercise machine which can be controlled during the operation of theexercise machine and representative of second commands C2 to manuallyvary the second parameter SP of the exercise machine which can becontrolled during the operation of the exercise machine.

Furthermore, the third screen S1 shows to the user a plurality ofcurrent values PV of data representative of the user's physicalcondition during the training.

Still, the third screen S1 comprises a first arrow F1 to go to aspecific screen representative of the first parameter GR of the exercisemachine which can be controlled during the operation of the exercisemachine and a second arrow F2 to go to a specific screen of the secondparameter SP of the exercise machine which can be controlled during theoperation of the exercise machine.

Furthermore, the third screen S1 further comprises a piece ofinformation PS representative of one or more preferred values (or one ormore ranges of preferred values) of the second parameter SP of theexercise machine 200 which can be controlled during the operation of theexercise machine 200 determined on the basis of the value of the firstparameter GR of exercise machine 200 which can be controlled during theoperation of the exercise machine 200.

Again, the third screen S1 comprises information representative of thetraining program in the successive time interval, i.e.:

-   -   the time TM left before the end of the current interval of time        in which the exercise machine 200 is controlled with the current        value GR-C of the first parameter GR of the machine which can be        controlled during the operation of the exercise machine (in the        case of a treadmill the gradient or inclination) and the current        value SP-C of the second parameter SP of the exercise machine        operation which can be controlled during the operation of the        exercise machine (in the case of a treadmill, the rotation        speed);    -   the successive value GR-CS of the first parameter GR of the        machine which can be controlled during the operation of the        exercise machine (in the case of a treadmill, the gradient or        inclination);    -   the successive value SP-CS of the second parameter SP of        operation of the exercise machine which can be controlled during        the operation of the exercise machine (in the case of a        treadmill, the rotation speed).

Turing back in general to the system in FIG. 1, the exercise machine 200is also configured to receive from the control unit 101, by means of thecommunication network data NTW, an end of training command, in themoment in which the total time of the training program ends or in themoment in which the trainer user imparts an end of training command onthe control unit 101.

In an embodiment, at the end of the training, following the reception ofthe end of training command, the exercise machine 200 is configured tosend to the remote electronic processor 300, e.g. by means of theInternet, the results of the training performed by the user on theexercise machine 200, in order to store it inside the memory unit 302 ofthe remote electronic processor 300 in the account of the user (if theuser has previously been authenticated on the exercise machine).

A method 400 for managing a training of users on a plurality of exercisemachines, hereinafter also managing method or simply method, accordingto an embodiment of the present invention, will now described also withreference to FIG. 7.

The method 400 comprises a symbolic step of starting ST.

The system 400 comprises a step of providing 401 a control unit 101 of atraining of users on a plurality of exercise machines.

The control unit 101 can be accessed by a trainer user responsible formanaging the training class on a plurality of exercise machines.

The control unit 101, according to various embodiments, has beendescribed above and is not here described for the sake of brevity ofdescription.

The method 400 further comprises a step of providing 402 a plurality ofexercise machines 500 operatively connected to the control unit 101 bymeans of a data communication network NTW.

As mentioned above, the plurality of exercise machines 500 aredistributed in the same location so that they can be used by users forperforming a training class under the guidance and/or supervision of thetrainer user employing the control unit 101.

The plurality of exercise machines 500, according to variousembodiments, was described above and is not here described for the sakeof brevity of description.

As previously mentioned, the plurality of exercise machines 500 arelocked and ready to be only used in the training class while waiting toreceive a start of training command from the control unit 101, as willbe described below.

The method 400 further comprises a step of loading 403, by the controlunit 101, in a respective memory module 103 of the control unit 101, atraining program to be performed for the users of the training classchosen by the trainer user from various training programs.

In an embodiment, shown in FIG. 7 with dashed lines, the step of loading403 comprises a step of receiving 403 a, by the control unit 101,training programs stored in the respective memory module 103.

In an alternative embodiment, also shown in the figure with dashedlines, the step of loading 403 comprises a step of receiving 403 b, bymeans of the control unit 101, one or more training programs from anelectronic device of the trainer user.

In more detail, it is worth noting that the one or more trainingprograms are created by the trainer user on the electronic device of thetrainer user by means of a specific software application (APP).

In a further alternative embodiment, also shown in FIG. 7 by dashedlines, the step of loading 403 comprises a step of receiving 403 c, bymeans of the control unit 101, training programs from a remoteelectronic processor 300 (if provided), e.g. by means of the Internet orother remote database of the gym or club, by means of the communicationnetwork data NTW.

Turning back to the embodiment in FIG. 7, the method 400 furthercomprises sending 404, by the control unit 101, by means of the datacommunication network NTW, a start of training command to the pluralityof exercise machines 500.

In an embodiment, shown in FIG. 7 with dashed lines, the step of sending404 comprises a step of showing 404′ to the trainer user, by the controlunit 101, e.g. on a display module 105 with which with the control unit101 is provided, a start of training command.

Turning back to FIG. 7, the method 400 comprises a step of starting 405,by the plurality of exercise machines 500, the training following thereception of the start of training command.

The method 400 further comprises a step of sending 406 to the pluralityof exercise machines 500, by the control unit 101, by means of the datacommunication network NTW, at least one control instruction of theoperation of each exercise machine 200 of the plurality of exercisemachines 500.

The definitions of the training program and of said at least one controlinstruction of the operation of the exercise machine were previouslyprovided and here are not repeated for the sake of brevity ofdescription.

In an embodiment, the step of sending 406 is performed by the controlunit 101, in following a manual command of the trainer user.

In this embodiment, the step of sending 406 is performed by the controlunit 101, to provide at least one instruction for controlling theoperation of each exercise machine to the plurality of exercise machines500, such as a stop command, a pause command, a restart command, an endof training command, a synchronization command.

In an embodiment, the step of sending 406 is performed, by the controlunit 101, as a function of a profile of the training program selected bythe trainer user.

In greater detail, this step of sending 406 is performed, by the controlunit 101, to provide to the plurality of exercise machines 500 a controlinstruction of the operation of each exercise machine, such as thevariation of a parameter of the exercise machine 200 which can becontrolled during operation.

Turning back to the step of sending 406 the at least one controlinstruction of the operation of an exercise machine, it is worth notingthat in an embodiment the step of sending 406 is performed, by thecontrol unit 101, in response to the reception of a respective requestto receive a control instruction of the operation of an exercise machine200 and training data of each user on the respective exercise machine200, recorded by the exercise machine 200 during its operation, sentperiodically (for e.g. once a second) by each exercise machine 200 ofthe plurality of exercise machines 500.

The training data were defined above.

Turning back to FIG. 7, the method 400 comprises the step of controlling407 the operation of each exercise machine 200, by each exercise machine200 of the plurality of exercise machines 500, on the basis of the atleast one control instruction of the operation of each exercise machine200 received from the control unit 101.

It is worth noting that step of controlling 407 is performed by eachexercise machine 200 of the plurality of exercise machines 500, if thecontrol unit 101, according to the training program loaded in responseto this request, sends to the exercise machine a control instruction ofthe operation of the exercise machine.

In a further embodiment, shown in FIG. 7 with a dashed line, between thestep of loading 403, by the control unit 101, a training program to beperformed by the training class users and the step of sending 404, bythe control unit 101, a start of training command to the plurality ofexercise machines 500, the method 400 comprises a step of sending 408,by the control unit 101, the training program chosen by the trainer userto the plurality of exercise machines 500, by means of the datacommunication network NTW.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7 by dashed lines, the step ofcontrolling 407 comprises a step of performing 409 by each exercisemachine 200 of the plurality of exercise machines 500, the trainingprogram received from the control unit 101.

In this embodiment, the at least one control instruction of theoperation of each exercise machine 200 such as the variation of aparameter of the exercise machine which can be controlled duringoperation is executed independently by each exercise machine 200.

In an embodiment, if the exercise machine 200 of the plurality ofexercise machines 500 is a treadmill, said exercise machine parameterwhich can be controlled during the operation being the gradient of thetreadmill, the step of controlling 407 being performed by controlling anactuation device 206 with which each exercise machine 200 is providedconfigured to receive a treadmill gradient variation command from arespective data processing unit 201.

It is worth noting that in this embodiment, the step of sending 406 isperformed, by the control unit 101, to provide at least one instructionfor controlling the operation of each exercise machine to the pluralityof exercise machines 500, such as a stop command, a pause command, arestart command, an end of training command, a synchronization command.

In an embodiment, not shown in the figures, the method 400 furthercomprises a step of providing, by the control unit 101, a piece ofinformation representative of the training time during the performanceof the training program to the plurality of exercise machines 500, bymeans of the data communication network NTW.

In an embodiment, shown in FIG. 7 with a dashed line, the method 400further comprises a step of sending 410 to the plurality of exercisemachines 500, by the control unit 101, via the communication networkdata NTW, an end of training command.

It is worth noting that the end of training command can be sent in themoment in which a total training time of the training program ends orwhen the trainer user imparts an end of training command on the controlunit 101.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7 by dashed lines, the method 400further comprises a step of ending 411, by the plurality of exercisemachines 500, the training following the reception of the end oftraining command.

Turning back in general to the embodiment in FIG. 7, the method 400 endswith a symbolic step of ending ED.

In an embodiment, not shown in the figures, the method 400 furthercomprises a step of showing to the trainer user, by the control unit101, by means of the respective display module 105 with which thecontrol unit is provided 101, a list of the users participating in thetraining program, wherein, the user identification data and anindication representing whether a user can follow a profile of a firstparameter of the exercise machine which can be controlled duringoperation or not, according to the loaded training program, areassociated with each user.

In greater detail, the aforesaid step of showing comprises the steps of:

-   -   receiving a value of said first parameter of the exercise        machine 200 which can be controlled during its operation (e.g.        the gradient of a treadmill), during the training of a user on        the exercise machine 200;    -   comparing such received value with the value of said first        parameter of the exercise machine 200 which can be controlled        during its operation envisaged by the training program in order        to determine a deviation;    -   if such deviation is different from zero, moving a line inside        the plurality of lines PR corresponding to such user to the        first place of the plurality of lines PR, possibly by adding a        graphic symbol SG by the side of at least either one or a        combination of: a sequential number 01, a respective real name        RN1 and a respective nickname NK1 of such user.

In an embodiment, not shown in FIG. 7, the method 400 comprises a stepof providing a remote electronic processor 300 (cloud) operativelyconnected to the control unit 101 and the plurality of exercise machines500.

The remote electronic processor 300 was described above and is notrepeated here for the sake of brevity of description.

In an embodiment, in combination with previous ones and not shown inFIG. 7, following the sending of the end of training command, at the endof the training, the method 400 comprises a step of storing, by thecontrol unit 101, in the respective memory module 103, a summary of thetraining class.

It is worth noting that “summary of the training class” means acombination of overall information, such as, for example, start oftraining time, end of training time and so forth.

In an embodiment, in combination with the previous one, the method 400comprises a step of sending, by the control unit 101, to a remotedatabase of gym or club, e.g. by means of the Internet, the summary ofthe training class.

In an embodiment, either alternatively to or in combination with theprevious one, the method 400 comprises a step of sending, by the controlunit 101, to the remote electronic processor 300, e.g. by means of theInternet, the summary of the training class in order to store it insideof the memory unit 302 of the remote electronic processor 300 in theaccount of the trainer user.

In an embodiment, in combination with the previous ones, at the end ofthe training, following the reception of the end of training command,the method 400 comprises a step of sending, by each exercise machine 200of the plurality of exercise machines 500, to the remote electronicprocessor 300, e.g. by means of the Internet, the results of thetraining performed by the user on the exercise machine 200, in order tostore it inside the memory unit 302 of the remote electronic processor300 in the account of the user (if the user has previously beenauthenticated on the exercise machine).

According to another embodiment, in combination with any one of theembodiments described above, the method 400 comprises a step ofreceiving, by each exercise machine 200 of the plurality of exercisemachines 500, from the control unit 101 by means of the communicationnetwork data NTW, the training program selected by the trainer user.

Furthermore, in an embodiment, the method 400 comprises a step ofreceiving, by each exercise machine 200 of the plurality of exercisemachines 500, from the control unit 101, by means of the communicationnetwork data NTW, a start of training command.

Furthermore, in an embodiment, the method 400 comprises a step ofreceiving, by each exercise machine 200 of the plurality of exercisemachines 500, from the control unit 101, by means of the communicationnetwork data NTW, a piece of information representative of the trainingtime during the performance of the training program.

In an embodiment, in combination with any of the previous ones, themethod 400 comprises a step of sending, by each exercise machine 200 ofthe plurality of exercise machines 500, to the control unit 101, bymeans of the data communication network NTW, during the performance ofthe training program, a request of control instructions of the operationof the exercise machine and training data of the user on the exercisemachine, such as at least either one or a combination of:

-   -   the value of a first parameter of the exercise machine which can        be controlled during operation;    -   the value of a second parameter of the exercise machine which        can be controlled during operation;    -   data representative of the users physical condition during the        training;    -   identification data of the user (e.g. the name or a nickname).

Additionally, in an embodiment, in combination with any of the previousones, the method 400 comprises a step of manually modifying, at anymoment during the performance of the training program, following acommand received from the user via a control interface 203 with which anexercise machine 200 of the plurality of exercise machines 500 isprovided, the value of the first parameter of the exercise machine whichcan be controlled during operation (e.g. the gradient of inclination ofthe treadmill if the exercise machine is a treadmill) or of a secondparameter of the exercise machine which can be controlled duringoperation (e.g. the rotation speed of the treadmill if the exercisemachine is a treadmill) if the user cannot keep the value of the firstparameter of the exercise machine which can be controlled duringoperation or the value of the second parameter of the exercise machinewhich can be controlled during operation, set automatically during thetraining program chosen by the trainer user.

Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the invention, in combinationwith any one of the embodiments described above, the method 400 includesa step of showing to the user, by the respective exercise machine 200,by means of the display unit 204 with which the exercise machine 200 isprovided, a profile of the first parameter of the exercise machine whichcan be controlled during its operation and/or the profile of the secondparameter of the exercise machine which can be controlled during itsoperation, provided in the training program loaded with an instantaneousindication of a current point the user is at as time elapses.

Furthermore, according to an embodiment, in combination with any one ofthe previous ones, the method 400 comprises a step of providing theuser, by the respective exercise machine 200 by means of a display unit204 with which the exercise machine 200 is provided, with a piece ofinformation representative of one or more preferred values (or one ormore intervals of preferred values) of the second parameter of theexercise machine 200 which can be controlled during its operation,determined on the basis of the value of the first parameter of theexercise machine 200 which can be controlled during its operation.

In an embodiment, in combination with any one of the preceding ones, themethod 400 comprises a step of receiving, by each exercise machine 200of the plurality of exercise machines 500, from the control unit 101, bymeans of the communication network data NTW, an end of training command,in the moment in which the total training time program ends or when thetrainer user imparts an end of training command on the control unit 101.

An example of operation of the system 100 in an embodiment thereof, byimplementing the method 400, according to an embodiment thereof will nowbe described with reference to the aforementioned figures.

According to the present example, the plurality of exercise machines 500comprises treadmills.

The user trainer loads on the control unit 101 a training program chosenfrom the training programs previously stored in the memory module 103 ofthe control unit 101.

The trainer user sends, by means of the control unit 101 and the datacommunication network NTW, the loaded training program to the pluralityof exercise machines 500 belonging to the training class, previouslyassociated with the control unit 101 by storing the IP address of thecontrol unit 101 on each exercise machine 200 of the plurality ofexercise machines 500.

Subsequently, the control unit 101 shows the start of training commandto the trainer user, by means of the display module 104.

The trainer user actuates the start of training command on the controlunit 101.

The control unit 101 sends the start of training command to theplurality of exercise machines 500, by means of the communicationnetwork data NTW.

The plurality of exercise machines 500 (treadmills) starts the training.

The training of the users in the training class begins on all treadmillswhich, until the start of training command was received, were locked andready to run the training class.

Each exercise machine 200 periodically sends (e.g. once a second) to thecontrol unit 101 by means of the communication network data NTW, arequest for control instructions of the operation of the treadmill andtraining data of the respective user on the exercise machine 200,recorded by the exercise machine 200 during its operation.

If it is envisaged in the training program selected by the trainer user,or as a result of the manual control of the trainer user or as afunction of the profile of the training program, the control unit 101sends at least one control instruction of the operation of each exercisemachine to the plurality of exercise machines 500.

Each exercise machine 200 of the plurality of exercise machines 500controls the respective operation on the basis of the at least onecontrol instruction of the operation of each exercise machine 200received from the control unit 101.

In particular, each exercise machine 200 of the plurality of exercisemachines 500 can vary, on the basis of at least one received controlinstruction of the operation, the first parameter of the exercisemachine which can be controlled during operation, for example thegradient or gradient of the treadmill.

During the execution of the training program, the control unit 101 showsto the trainer user, by means of a respective display module 105 withwhich the control unit 101 is provided, a list of the usersparticipating in the training program, in which, the user identificationdata and an indication representing whether a user can follow a profileof a first parameter of the exercise machine which can be controlledduring operation or not, according to the loaded training program, areassociated with each user.

During the execution of the training program, a user may manuallymodify, at any time, by means of the control interface 203 with whichthe exercise machine 200 is provided, the value of the first parameterof the exercise machine which can be controlled during operation (e.g.the gradient or inclination of the treadmill if the exercise machine isa treadmill), if the user is unable to keep up the value of the firstparameter of the exercise machine 200 which can be controlled duringoperation, set automatically according to the training program.

In the moment in which, in the profile of the training program, asubsequent time interval starts with assigned a set value of the firstparameter of the exercise machine which can be controlled duringoperation, the first parameter of the exercise machine which can becontrolled during operation varied manually by the user will be alignedwith the respective value of the profile of the training programselected by the trainer user.

According to a specific example, while performing the training, theusers of the training class can run on treadmills for a first period oftime, e.g. 5 minutes at a rotation speed of the treadmill of 8-10 km/h(which can be managed manually by the user on the exercise machine) witha gradient of the treadmill of 2% (managed automatically by the exercisemachine as a function of the profile of the training program selected bythe trainer user).

The trainer user sends a pause command, by means of the control unit101, to the plurality of exercise machines 500.

Following the reception of the pause command sent by the control unit101, each exercise machine 200 controls the respective electric motor todecelerate the treadmill to take it to a zero-rotation speed following aset deceleration ramp. The gradient of each treadmill instead remainsthat of the profile of the training program chosen by the trainer userassigned in the instant in time in which the pause command is imparted.

Users step off their respective treadmill and stand next to it toperform floor exercises as instructed by the trainer user, e.g. push-upsfor a prescribed time interval (e.g., 30 seconds).

The users then step back onto their respective treadmill.

The trainer user sends a restart command, by means of the control unit101, to the plurality of exercise machines 500.

Following the reception of the restart command sent by the control unit101, each exercise machine 200 controls the respective electric motor toaccelerate the treadmill to take it to a set rotation speed (e.g. theone at which was before the previous deceleration ramp) following a setacceleration ramp. The gradient of each treadmill instead remains thatof the profile of the training program chosen by the trainer userassigned in the instant in time in which the pause command is imparted.

Once the training is finished, the trainer user imparts an end oftraining command on the control unit 101.

The control unit 101 sends, by means of the data communication networkNTW, an end of training command to the plurality of exercise machines500.

The training program of the users in the training class ends.

At the end of the training, the control unit 101 stores a summary of thetraining class in a respective memory module 103.

The control unit 101 sends a summary of the training class to a remotedatabase of the gym or club, e.g. by means of the Internet.

The control unit 101 also sends the summary of the training class to theremote electronic processor 300 (where provided), e.g. by means of theInternet, in order to store it inside the memory unit 302 of the remoteelectronic processor 300 in the trainer user's account.

Each exercise machine 200 of the plurality of exercise machines 500sends the user's training results on the exercise machine 200 to theremote electronic processor 300, if provided, in order to store thetraining results in the memory unit 302 of the remote electronicprocessor 300 in the user's account (if the latter was previouslyauthenticated on the exercise machine).

It is apparent that the object of the invention is fully achievedbecause the method and system according to the present invention allowsthe control of a plurality of exercise machines by the control unitmanaged by the trainer user.

Indeed, the automatic loading, on both the control unit and on theplurality of exercise machines, of the same training programadvantageously allows the synchronized performance of the trainingprogram in which, for example, instructions for controlling theoperation of an exercise machine, such as stop, pause, restart, end oftraining commands, or variation of a first parameter of the exercisemachine which can be controlled during the operation of the exercisemachine (gradient of a treadmill) or a second parameter of the exercisemachine which can be controlled during operation (rotation speed of atreadmill) are performed in automatic and synchronized manner across allexercise machines employed by users of the class.

In this manner, the risk that a command, vocal or other, of the traineruser to vary, for example, the gradient of a treadmill is either notheard, not performed successfully or, if heard, is performed withconsiderable delay, is greatly reduced.

Therefore, the method and system for managing a training of users onexercise machines according to the present invention allows to avoid asmuch as possible problems to the users during the user's training, suchas accidents or excessive fatigue.

Furthermore, the method and system for managing a training for users ona plurality of exercise machines according to the present inventionadvantageously allows to reduce as much as possible the manualadjustments of the respective exercise machine by the user during thetraining class, whereby increasing the level of accuracy,synchronization and coordination of the entire training class.

Still, it is advantageously possible for the trainer user to perform atraining program which provides moments of use of the exercise machineand moments of exercises on the floor without using the exercise machinein manner as coordinated as possible.

Furthermore, if a user is still breathless because of excessive effort,the user can resort to controlling the exercise machine in order to beable to recover physical energy and catch his or her breath andsubsequently, when the exercise machine is aligned back to the loadedtraining program, successfully continue the training program followed bythe class.

A person skilled in art may make changes and adaptations to the methodand respective system described above or can replace elements withothers which are functionally equivalent to satisfy contingent needswithout departing from the scope of protection of the appended claims.All the features described above as belonging to one possible embodimentmay be implemented independently from the other described embodiments.

1. A method for managing a training of users on a plurality of exercisemachines, comprising steps of: providing a control unit of a usertraining class on a plurality of exercise machines, the control unitbeing accessible by a trainer user in charge of managing a trainingclass on a plurality of exercise machines; providing a plurality ofexercise machines operatively connected to the control unit by a datacommunication network; loading, by the control unit, in a respectivememory module of the control unit, a training program to be performedfor the users of the training class chosen by the trainer user fromvarious training programs; sending, by the control unit, by the datacommunication network, a start of training command to the plurality ofexercise machines; starting, by the plurality of exercise machines, thetraining following reception of the start of training command; sendingto the plurality of exercise machines, by the control unit, by the datacommunication network, at least one control instruction of operation ofeach exercise machine of the plurality of exercise machines; controllingthe operation of each exercise machine, by each exercise machine of theplurality of exercise machines based on the at least one controlinstruction of the operation of each exercise machine received by thecontrol unit.
 2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the step ofsending is performed, by the control unit, following a manual command ofthe trainer user, the step of sending being performed, by the controlunit, to provide the plurality of exercise machines with the at leastone control instruction of the operation of each exercise machine, theat least one control instruction belonging to the group comprising: astop command, a pause command, a restart command, an end of trainingcommand, a synchronization command.
 3. A method according to claim 1,wherein the step of sending is performed, by the control unit, as afunction of a profile of the training program chosen by the traineruser, the step of sending being performed, by the control unit, toprovide the plurality of exercise machines with the at least one controlinstruction of the operation of each exercise machine, comprisingvariation of a parameter of the exercise machine which is controllableduring operation.
 4. A method according to claim 1, further comprising,between the step of loading, by the control unit, a training program tobe performed for the training class users and the step of sending, bythe control unit, a start of training command to the plurality ofexercise machines, a step of sending, by the control unit, the trainingprogram chosen by the trainer user to the plurality of exercisemachines, by the data communication network.
 5. A method according toclaim 4, further comprising a step of performing, by each exercisemachine of the plurality of exercise machines, the training programreceived from the control unit, the at least one control instruction ofthe operation of each exercise machine comprising variation of aparameter of the exercise machine which is controllable duringoperation, being performed autonomously by each exercise machine.
 6. Amethod according to claim 5, wherein each exercise machine of theplurality of exercise machines is a treadmill, said exercise machineparameter which is controllable during operation being gradient of thetreadmill, the step of controlling being performed by controlling anactuation device with which each exercise machine is provided configuredto receive a treadmill gradient variation command from a respective dataprocessing unit of the exercise machine.
 7. A method according to claim1, wherein the step of sending the at least one control instruction ofthe operation of an exercise machine is performed, by the control unit,in reply to reception of a respective request to receive a controlinstruction of the operation of an exercise machine and of training dataof each user on a respective exercise machine, recorded by the exercisemachine during operation, periodically sent by each exercise machine ofthe plurality of exercise machines.
 8. A method according to claim 1,further comprises a step of providing, by the control unit, a piece ofinformation representative of the training time during performance ofthe training program to the plurality of exercise machines, by the datacommunication network.
 9. A method according to claim 1, furthercomprising a step of showing to the trainer user, by the control unit,by a respective display module with which the control unit is provided,a list of the users taking part in the training program, wherein, useridentification data and an indication representing that a user canfollow a profile of a first parameter of the exercise machine which iscontrollable during operation or not, according to the loaded trainingprogram, are associated with each user, said step of showing comprisingsteps of: receiving a value of said first parameter of the exercisemachine which during operation, during a user's training on the exercisemachine; comparing the received value with the value of said firstparameter of the exercise machine which is controllable during operationby the training program in order to determine a deviation; wherein ifthe deviation is different from zero, moving a line inside the pluralityof lines corresponding to the user to the first place of the pluralityof lines, adding a graphic symbol by the side of at least either one ora combination of: a sequential number, a respective real name and arespective nickname of the user.
 10. A method according to claim 1,further comprising a step of sending, by each exercise machine of theplurality of exercise machines, to the control unit, by the datacommunication network, during performance of the training program, arequest of control instructions of the operation of the exercise machineand training data of the user on the exercise machine, comprising atleast either one or a combination of: a value of a first parameter ofthe exercise machine which is controllable during operation; a value ofa second parameter of the exercise machine which is controllable duringoperation; data representative of a user's physical condition during thetraining; user's identification data.
 11. A method according to claim 1,further comprising a step of manually modifying, during performance ofthe training program, following a command received from the user via acontrol interface with which an exercise machine of the plurality ofexercise machines is provided, a value of a first parameter of theexercise machine which is controllable during operation or of a secondparameter of the exercise machine which is controllable during operationif the user cannot keep the value of the first parameter of the exercisemachine which is controllable during operation or the value of thesecond parameter of the exercise machine which is controllable duringoperation, set automatically during the training program chosen by thetrainer user.
 12. A method according to claim 1, comprising a step ofproviding the user, by the respective exercise machine by a display unitwith which the exercise machine is provided, with a piece of informationrepresentative of one or more preferred values of a second parameter ofthe exercise machine which is controllable during operation, determinedon the basis of the value of the first parameter of the exercise machinewhich is controllable during its operation.
 13. A method according toclaim 1, further comprising steps of: sending, by the control unit, anend of training command to the plurality of exercise machines, by thedata communication network; ending, by the plurality of exercisemachines, the training following reception of the end of trainingcommand.
 14. A method according to claim 1, comprising a step ofproviding a remote electronic processor operatively connected to thecontrol unit and to the plurality of exercise machines, the method,after sending an end of training command, at the end of the training,comprising steps of: storing, by the control unit, a summary of thetraining class in a respective memory module; sending, by the controlunit, to the remote electronic processor, the summary of the trainingclass in order to store the summary in a control unit of the remoteelectronic processor in a personal trainer user's account.
 15. A methodaccording to claim 14, comprising, following the reception of the end ofthe training command, a step of sending, by each exercise machine of theplurality of exercise machines, to the remote electronic processor,training results performed by the user on the exercise machine, in orderto store the training results in the memory unit of the remoteelectronic processor in a user's account.
 16. A system for managing atraining of users on a plurality of exercise machines, comprising: acontrol unit of a training class of users on a plurality of exercisemachines, the control unit being accessible by a trainer user managing atraining class on a plurality of exercise machines; a plurality ofexercise machines operatively connected with the control unit by a datacommunication network; the control unit being configured to: load, in arespective memory module of the control unit, a training program to beperformed for the users of the training class chosen by the traineruser; send, by the data communication network, a start of trainingcommand to the plurality of exercise machines; send to the plurality ofexercise machines, by the data communication network, at least onecontrol instruction of operation of each exercise machine of theplurality of exercise machines; each exercise machine of the pluralityof exercise machines is configured to: start the training followingreception of the start of training command; control the operation ofeach exercise machine based on the at least one control instruction ofthe operation of each exercise machine received by the control unit. 17.A system according to claim 16, further comprising a remote electronicprocessor operatively connected to the control unit and to the pluralityof exercise machines, the control unit being configured to: aftersending an end of training command, at the end of the training, store asummary of the training class in a respective memory module; send to theremote electronic processor a summary of the training class to store thesummary in a control unit of the remote electronic processor in apersonal trainer user's account.